I’m sure we’re all very familiar with an adage I used to love as a kid and ever since: “Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark!”
So true. And indeed something that garnered him entrance into the “hall of faith” in Hebrews 11.
But in this post I’d like to look at a New Testament example and discuss two aspects or applications of this time-tested truth. (There’s a reason an adage, well, becomes an adage.)
First, the New Testament example of this general application.
I love the Apostle Paul. Other than the Lord Jesus Himself – with whom none can even begin to compare – Paul has always been at the top of my list of biblical heroes. (Along with David, Daniel, Joseph, Abraham, Job, and Samuel and Ruth and Rahab, and pre-decline Solomon [Proverbs Solomon, not Ecclesiastes Solomon], among others.) I love everything about him. His utter tenacity in fulfilling what he believed to be right. (His view was of course diametrically opposite of God’s before a certain meeting on the road to Damascus, but even then nobody can say he wasn’t tenacious and dedicated. Misguided, yes, but totally tenacious and dedicated.) His love for others — sometimes, when called for, tough love (e.g., 2 Corinthians and especially Galatians) – which surpasses anyone I’ve ever seen or heard of other than the Lord Jesus Himself, when in Romans 9:3 he says that he loved his fellow Jews so much that, if it were an option, he’d give up his own salvation in exchange for theirs. That he’d put himself under the eternal curse of hell if it meant they would go to heaven. Ladies and gentlemen, that is a level of love I can’t even imagine much less say I possess. I’m a very loving person — always have been in a human, social sense but even exponentially more so since I started memorizing the Bible on a regular, systematic basis — but I’m quite sure I’ll never reach the point where I’d be willing to give up my salvation for anyone else’s. But that’s exactly the level of love which the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) had sewn in Paul’s transformed heart and life. Amazing. Stunning. And so admirable.
But one aspect of the Apostle Paul I’ve come to appreciate especially in recent years is his sense of practicality and attention to details. Wanna see what I’m talking about? Just read what he wrote near the end of his life: “Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.” (2 Timothy 4:11-13)
At first glance there might not seem to be much in these three short verses. But upon closer inspection we can learn a LOT about Paul. His personality and nature. Social, connected, great leader shepherding his fellow workers like a great army general would on the battlefield. Delegating various tasks to various people, as best suited. More concerned about the churches he had planted and people he had led to Christ (in this case, at Ephesus) than his own emotional comfort, i.e., I think it’s safe to say that the vast majority of people nearing the very end of their life (verses 6-7) would seek to surround themselves with as many of their loved ones as possible. But not Paul! No sir, no ma’am, he kept just one by his side at that time (Luke) so the others could continue on in ministry and spreading the Gospel and watering the growth of new believers and churches. What selflessness! He clearly had internalized what the Holy Spirit had led him to write in Philippians 2:3-4. Always thinking about the interest of others, not his own, under the umbrella of always thinking about the interests and desires and will of God.
His sense of practicality is also demonstrated in this passage and downright palpable. He saw that Mark could be useful to him in ministry and didn’t hesitate to put those wheels into motion.
His love for the Bible is also demonstrated in that “the books” and “parchments” likely refer to the Old Testament. We’ll have to wait until heaven to find out for sure but I’m 99.99% certain that Paul also internalized what the Holy Spirit had led him to write in Colossians 3:16, that he had memorized and regularly recited huge portions of the Bible at the time, the Old Testament. (I also often wonder and can hardly wait to find out from him personally if he knew or at least had a sense, had any inkling that many of his penned letters to churches and individuals would comprise a huge part of the Bible’s New Testament. I.e., it’s possible that under the miraculous umbrella of “dual” authorship – human and divine – the human author was referring to the Old Testament when he wrote 2 Timothy 3:16 while the divine Author was of course, we know now, referring prophetically to the entire Bible, the whole of Scripture.) But what’s 100% known is that he loved the Bible, the Word of God, EVERY word of God, with all his heart and mind and soul. [I wish there were far more ways in which my life imitated Paul’s but praise the Lord this is definitely one of them, a deep and abiding love and respect for His Word, which is why I’ve dedicated literally the rest of my life to memorizing the entire Bible, every word of the Word, so I can recite His own words in that greatest (and longest =) of all love letters BACK TO HIM as a unique and indeed historic love/thank-You gift for all He has done for me and us, all He does, all He intends to yet do, and just for who and how He is!]
But wait, there’s more! Another thing demonstrated in this passage, in these three short verses, is that Paul – like Noah – planned ahead. Did you catch that phrase “bring the cloak”? A cloak was a piece of garment which doubled as a coat and blanket. He makes clear in verse 21 that “winter” was coming, and he wanted Timothy to come before winter and bring Paul’s coat/blanket so he’d be fully prepared. Planning ahead! (On a side note, that was TWO THOUSAND years ago yet isn’t it interesting that in many ways he and the people of that time weren’t much different from us. Don’t we shop for or unpack our winter clothes in advance of its expected arrival? Indeed we do. Paul was doing the very same thing, but was tied up at the moment so asked Timothy to do so for him. Thinking ahead, planning ahead.)
But my other favorite example of this is also near the end of one of his penned-letters-turned-New-Testament-book: Romans 15:22-25. It’s clear from the people and places mentioned in Chapter 16 that he wrote the letter from Corinth.
Here’s where the “planning ahead” comes in.
You see, if you were to look at a map of those times, you’d see Corinth then to the left/west you’d see Rome and then further to the left/west of that you’d see Spain.
Do you know what that means? Not only that Paul was planning (ahead) his trip to Spain in advance, but also made the necessary arrangements, like sending this letter via Phoebe (16:1-2), far enough in advance that they’d have time to make the necessary preparations for his “in passing on his way to Spain” visit “for a while” (verse 24), and also enough time to “help him out” financially on that journey. He left nothing to chance. Very detailed. Very organized (probably the most EVER). Always planning ahead!
And that brings me to the second aspect or application of that wise practice I’d like to discuss here.
It’s very important and beneficial to PLAN AHEAD in life. But you know what’s infinitely more important? To plan ahead for the NEXT LIFE, the life to come, ETERNITY.
For one reason, unlike winter, our physical death often doesn’t give ANY WARNING or ADVANCE NOTICE – so it’s absolutely imperative to do all of our planning for such NOW, while we still can.
One sad but perfect example is 9/11. Those tragic terrorist attacks against our country in 2001. I think about that throughout the year but inescapably at the end of every summer, with each passing anniversary of that horrific day. And you want to know one of my main takeaways from it? The fact that around THREE THOUSAND people simply went to their office or hopped on a plane as they no doubt had countless times before. It was just a regular, normal, average day. UNTIL IT WASN’T.
Those killed on that somber day had years and years and years to get their eternal destiny in order. To plan ahead. Before it was too late. Because just like when that door on Noah’s Ark closed as the rains fell and flooding of historic proportions commenced, and it was too late for those people to change their mind and board that boat – i.e., to be saved – so also when a person dies and departs this physical world, it will be too late to reserve one’s place in heaven. No my friends, that’s a reservation which can only be made in this life, while one is still alive, before the rains and flood of death occurs. And I just want to urge each and every one of you to “be all the more diligent to MAKE CERTAIN” (2 Peter 1:10; also 2 Corinthians 13:5, per that recent post) that you’re saved and have a room waiting for you in heaven long before that day comes and this life ends.
But HOW, you might ask? Simple. Literally. Simple faith in Jesus Christ and Him alone:
- in His perfect, sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22)
- in His substitutionary death on our behalf, for our sins (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 1 John 2:2)
- in His subsequent burial and resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-28)
That’s it, nothing else. (John 3:16) By the pure grace of God through faith in His appointed mediator, Jesus Christ. (1 Timothy 2:4-6)
You don’t have to go to church (though you’ll want to – John 2:17; Hebrews 10:24-25). You don’t even have to do good works (though you will – Ephesians 2:10). We need simply to acknowledge that we’re sinners and therefore unable to be let into heaven, into the physical presence of the infinitely holy and righteous God, and then to put our faith in the fact that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins so we CAN and WILL spend eternity in heaven. The substitutionary, propitiatory sacrifice of Jesus and subsequent resurrection totally resolves that otherwise conundrum! God can let sinners into heaven, into His holy presence, because those sins have been replaced with the righteousness of Jesus Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Unlike Paul, I would never trade my salvation and willingly spend eternity in hell so someone else could spend it in heaven instead. (Sorry, I’m very loving but not that loving. =) But I would trade my physical life so someone else could go to heaven, if that were possible. Gladly. But it’s not. Why? Because if I sacrificed my life so you could go to heaven, it wouldn’t do any good – because I’d merely be paying the price for my OWN sins (Romans 6:23; also 5:6-10). But that’s where Christ is different than ANY OTHER person. While Adam’s sin has been passed down to everyone else since creation and the fall of man in the garden of Eden (Romans 5:12), Christ avoided that since He was conceived not by a man (Joseph or any other) but rather by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18). So He WAS able to offer His own body as payment for the sins of others, of everyone, of “the whole world” as 1 John 2:2 puts it. He literally traded places with us (2 Corinthians 5:21 – more on this in a future post, incredible, the great “switcharoo”, the ultimate “no-brainer slam-dunk”!) and went to hell in our stead (Ephesians 4:9-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22) so we don’t have to, so we can go to heaven! So when you and I leave this world and stand at the gates of heaven and are asked why we should be let in, there’s only one right, acceptable, accepted answer: because of what JESUS did FOR US and that ALONE.
And praise the Lord that if indeed this is what ANY person is wholly, fully, and solely relying and depending on, I’m telling you right now on the full authority of the Bible and thus God Himself (it’s HIS Word, not mine) that you can KNOW with ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY that your reservation for a room in heaven has indeed been arranged beforehand.
May we be wise – like Noah, like Paul – to PLAN AHEAD. Not just for matters of this life but also and far more importantly for the life to come.
.
.
If you sense that the Lord might be leading YOU to support the historic event unfolding in real-time here at BibleMemory.ORG and thus become my fellow worker and thus share in all of the fruit and blessings (3 John 8) and literally MAKE HISTORY together, here are the best ways to do so:
1. Become a one-time or monthly partner by making a donation via PayPal’s fully-secure Bible Memory page!
2. Encourage as many people as you can to support this historic event by having them go to BibleMemory.ORG/support (please make sure they understand that it’s .org, not .com) – doing so by word-of-mouth is great, and to do so with a single click on your social media simply click here then scroll down a few inches to the green box and select your platforms, it’s that quick and easy!
3. Add your name to my Prayer List!
4. Encourage as many of our fellow Christians as you can to pray for this historic event by having them go to BibleMemory.ORG/pray (please make sure they understand that it’s .org, not .com) – doing so by word-of-mouth is great, and to do so with a single click on your social media simply click here then scroll down a few inches and select your platforms, it’s that quick and easy!
5. Share this post on your social media by clicking on one or more of these platforms:
.
.
“Big Mo”: Maintain Your Gain!
/in Uncategorized /by Bible MemoryThere’s a phrase very familiar with those of us who watch sports: “big mo”. Momentum. It plays an important and usually uncanny role in the outcome of a game.
But you know what, momentum also plays a crucial role in the Christian life, in our daily walk with the Lord — which, as discussed in the previous post, should be a continual combination of rest and action, or in bicycling terms, of rest and “pedaling”.
In the human realm, those are opposites, but in the Christian life they are meant to work together: we should always be “resting” in the Lord…
… while we’re working for Him, while we’re serving Him and carrying out His will in our lives.
As you probably know based on prior posts, a few months ago I sold my car so I could use that money to finish building this website. But I still had to be able to get around town to run errands and such so the second half of that plan was to buy a bicycle.
I hadn’t ridden one since I was a child, since I was around 12 or 13 years old. I loved it then. The exhilaration of going down a steep hill. That rush of pure adrenaline. And the freedom. My oh my, the freedom. To finally be able to go more than a mile from my house. To the local mall to buy candy and gum and generally unhealthy fare but hey, I was a kid and therefore had the freedom to indulge in such luxuries without having to pay the price which generally doesn’t rear its head until full-on adulthood. I was swimming in freedom. Drenched in freeness. What an amazing and wonderful time of life.
But that was then and this is now so I wasn’t sure if that same relationship with bicycling had endured but was thrilled to find that I enjoy it every bit as much now as I did then.
And there have been many benefits realized in the weeks since. I’ll elaborate on these in future posts of this journal/blog as this historic journey of becoming the first person in known human history to memorize and recite the ENTIRE BIBLE unfolds, but two so far have been (a) the fact that it allowed me to finish building this website so people can follow my progress every step of the way, learn from my past mistakes and future victories, hold me accountable and help keep me on-track to complete this monumental task, and (b) discovering that many of the thoughts and concepts which I’ll be sharing with you here first struck me while riding my bike. (Far better that than a car or truck, eh? =)
But in this post, in this journal entry, I’d like to talk about a different benefit.
While I’ve always viewed physical fitness as being quite important in that a believer’s body is indeed a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16 — one of the great “3:16’s” of Scripture [along with John, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, 1 Peter, and 1 John … yep, I’m definitely gonna have to do a future post about this!] — and again a few Chapters later in 6:19) and have always done a decent job maintaining it, a benefit of biking versus driving these past several weeks is that I’ve actually gotten down to my high school weight. And every time I get back from an extended (usually Saturday) bike ride I find that 5-8 pounds have been whacked from the previous night’s reading on my bathroom scale.
But after such an intense workout and the resultant hunger, I find myself sorely tempted to fill my stomach’s newfound void with a bunch of food. And indeed, I used to indulge in such and you know what would happen? Yep, the next morning that bathroom scale would go right back to the same reading as before. I’d revert to the pre-exercise weight. Benefit lost. (At least that one.) Gained ground given right back.
And it hit me that this is exactly how it is with the Christian life, too! How often do we read the Bible or go to church only to stumble in the following days or weeks?
I address this in the physical realm by opting for high-protein fare like seafood, chicken breast tenders or nuggets, and fat-free/cholesterol-free egg whites after said workouts; as for the spiritual realm, I’ve addressed this by embarking on this journey of memorizing entire books of the Bible. That’s right, just like Psalm 119:11 says, Bible memory on a regular, systematic (verse-by-verse, book-by-beautiful-book) basis has kept me from losing the spiritual ground which has been gained.
In a word, MOMENTUM! “Big Mo”.
I’ll discuss the encouragement (“carrot”) side of this coin in a moment but will start with the warning (“stick”) side with a single three-verse passage: “For yet in a very little while, he who is coming will come, and will not delay,. But my righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. BUT we are NOT of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:37-39)
May it be so in our daily lives. May we be so wise to choose the latter.
As for the other side of this coin, it’s important to realize that when we obey God, when we obey His Word, the Bible, we stack another gain on our pile in heaven, in our heavenly account as it were. Think of it like an earthly bank account in that each good work, each good deed we do here on earth produces rewards or adds a “credit” to our “account” in heaven. But similarly when we sin it’s like a “debit” to that account.
In sports lingo, doing a good deed in this life is like pushing the football another five yards down the field in the life to come. (AND this life — 1 Timothy 4:8!) I’m sure you get the point but of course that field is not 100 yards in length but unlimited, infinite, but otherwise this is a very good metaphor. And what is one of the main factors which determines victory or defeat? That’s right, which team has the momentum as the clock ticks to zero. Who maintains the momentum. But when we sin, when we give in to temptation, it’s like fumbling the football. And as we know, that’s not conducive at all to WINNING THE GAME.
Credit or debit. Touchdown or fumble. THE CHOICE IS OURS. I know which I like better! And make my decisions and choices each day accordingly. “In such a way so as to win” as the beloved Apostle Paul would say. And I just cannot overstate how utterly crucial and imperative it is to MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM.
Don’t be messing with your blessing. Maintain your gain.
.
.
If you sense that the Lord might be leading YOU to support the historic event unfolding in real-time here at BibleMemory.ORG and thus become my fellow worker and thus share in all of the fruit and blessings (3 John 8) and literally MAKE HISTORY together, here are the best ways to do so:
1. Become a one-time or monthly partner by making a donation via PayPal’s fully-secure Bible Memory page!
2. Encourage as many people as you can to support this historic event by having them go to BibleMemory.ORG/support (please make sure they understand that it’s .org, not .com) – doing so by word-of-mouth is great, and to do so with a single click on your social media simply click here then scroll down a few inches to the green box and select your platforms, it’s that quick and easy!
3. Add your name to my Prayer List!
4. Encourage as many of our fellow Christians as you can to pray for this historic event by having them go to BibleMemory.ORG/pray (please make sure they understand that it’s .org, not .com) – doing so by word-of-mouth is great, and to do so with a single click on your social media simply click here then scroll down a few inches and select your platforms, it’s that quick and easy!
5. Share this post on your social media by clicking on one or more of these platforms:
.
.
Separate Scenarios, Crystal Clear Conclusion
/in Uncategorized /by Bible MemoryI just returned from a brisk but beautiful and beneficial bike ride. Because just like a healthy brain needs the Bible on a regular basis, so also the body needs regular exercise so I’m always thankful (a) when I have an extra amount of time for an even more rigorous workout and (b) when I don’t get hit by one of the smartphone-crazed/can’t-go-two-minutes-without-texting-or-at-least-checking-my-phone drivers populating the roads these days. (I’m not thrilled about the close calls, either, like the one on today’s ride, but I file those under the “no harm, no foul” category.)
Anyway, the weather has turned quite a bit cooler recently with winter wagging its warmness-zapping finger in advance of its full arrival, so I wasn’t able to ride or even walk outside for the past three days due to a distinct drop in the temperature.
Interestingly, when I first headed out for today’s timely trek, it struck me (probably not a good idiom to use when discussing bicycles 🙂 ) how HARD it was to pedal up the first hill in that direction. It’s usually a piece of cake (ah, much better idiom!) but not this time, not today. So I had to get off of my bike and WALK it up that medium-sized hill. And rode without incident for the next several minutes of (wonderful, beautiful) FLAT (i.e., non-hilly) road.
But then I came to the second hill in that direction, this one MUCH LARGER than the first, and you know what? I was able to RIDE up and over it with ease! BECAUSE MY BODY WAS NOW “BACK IN THE SWING” OF EXERCISING, after those first fifteen minutes after that three-day layoff.
And the rest of the ride was, as they say, a breeze. Easy-peasy.
Until the very end. Seemingly suddenly, it got VERY HARD to pedal once again, like three hours before. So hard that I actually had to pull over and sit down for a few minutes and guess what, I was able to pedal with ease. BECAUSE WHEN THE BODY GETS WEARY OR TIRED ALL IT NEEDS IS A LITTLE REST.
And that’s exactly how it is with the Christian life: sometimes we need to rest — and sometimes we just need to get off of our backsides and START PEDALING.
.
Share this post with, well, EVERYONE!
.
Quick Thought: “Helpless!”
/in Uncategorized /by Bible MemoryRemember when we were kids and would try to help one of our friends with something and they just kept “not getting it” and after several attempts to aid them in the task we’d say, “Ugh, you’re helpless!”?
I do. Not very proudly, mind you. I wish I had the same level of patience and kindness with others at age 10 that I do now but won’t kick myself too hard since, after all, those are the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) which develop over time as one grows in the Lord.
No, I shan’t kick myself too hard but that phrase still rings in my ears as an adult, albeit in a very (very) different way.
You see, I’m no longer the speaker of that phrase but rather the repentant recipient. And it’s no longer I who shout out that declaration, it’s the Bible, TO me and every other person from birth.
While my fellow frequently-feckless friends and I (who wasn’t at age ten? =) sometimes couldn’t put a bicycle wheel or chain back on properly after a mishap even with my multiple attempts to render aid, until we reach “the point of accountability” (usually referred to the “age of accountability” but it has nothing to do with age, everything to do with mental capacity, which some reach at age four and some much later if ever) the Bible says that we are spiritually helpless. “Helpless case!”
.
Share this post with, well, EVERYONE!
.
“Yeah, But Don’t Forget About the Maintenance Costs”
/in Uncategorized /by Bible MemoryAs you know from previous posts, in order to finish building this website I sold my only car and ever since have been hoofing or biking it when I need to get around town. But I remember the time I went shopping for my very first car.
I of course received lots (and lots and lots, no pun intended =) of advice from my family and friends and fellow church members, some of whom were actually in the car business, true professionals loaded with so much expert knowledge it was coming out of their ears (but thankfully only metaphorically).
I remember one in particular. I had found a used BMW that fell within my meager budget (barely!) and at the time, in the common folly of youth, my main motivation was to make a statement. I wouldn’t trade my upbringing for the world but we never had much money the entire time I was growing up, but we had a ton of love and closeness and fun and laughter and great memories and vacations (the one thing my parents were dead-set on saving up for) and most of all a ubiquitous focus on the Bible and church and fellowship – what more could a kid ask for?
A little money to buy a decent car, perhaps. =) But I digress. The point is that we and I almost always “went without” so I did feel some sort of subtle need to compensate since I was a teenager with my own job – I was ready to splurge for once in my young life.
And that’s where that car-biz friend from church comes into the story. It was then and there that he gave me one of the greatest pieces of advice in my entire life – not just up to then but ever since. He said this:
“Don’t just think about the purchase price but also THINK ABOUT THE MAINTENANCE COSTS.”
While it’s very understandable that a teenager – and especially one whose upbringing rarely involved discussing much less possessing material things of any kind much less cars – wouldn’t have known about that, the fellow from my church did since he was in the business and had seen countless proud BMW or Porsche or Mercedes owners have to sell them after a repair bill or two.
Thankfully I heeded his wise counsel, but it got me thinking that this is exactly how it is with the Christian life.
I think every believer will agree that not even the excitement of one’s first car can come close to comparing with the utter joy when one’s eyes are first opened to the truth of the gospel of Christ. Not even close. But there’s a similar risk: that one will forget to consider the “maintenance costs” of that decision. You see, just as the Lord promised that an eternity in heaven awaits for all who put their faith in Him and Him alone for salvation from our sins, He also promises a few other things.
Like this: “in the world you have tribulation” (John 16:33)
And this: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it.” (Matthew 10:37-39; 16:24-26)
And this: “And indeed, ALL who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus WILL BE PERSECUTED.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
In other words, the “maintenance costs”.
So He says this: “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and CALCULATE THE COST, to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.'” (Luke 14:28-30)
But thankfully also this:
Thankfully I took that man’s wise advice, calculated the cost, and decided not to buy that used BMW.
Thankfully I took that Man’s wise advice, calculated the cost, and decided to follow Him. To lose my life, my “self”, my pleasure, my desires, and follow His later example in a certain garden as He stood at death’s door but declared decisively and dramatically His choice in the matter, when to the Father said the Son, “Not MY will but THINE be done.” (Luke 22:42)
This means that instead of focusing on doing what WE want (or more accurately, what we think we want… which often turns out to be two different things), we subjugate that and focus on doing what GOD wants. Not on OUR will but rather on HIS will… not on the basis of mere assumption or subtly skewed self-interest but rather as set forth in the Bible: God’s will and God’s Word are absolutely and eternally inextricable. Always “on the same page” (no pun intended), NEVER in contradiction, not even a little bit, none, nada, zero, zip. It’s NOT about ignoring our will, it’s about submitting our will to His. It’s about making OUR will secondary and HIS will primary in our life.
And you know what the funny, ironic thing is? When we “go against” our “self” and for God, that’s when life really gets fun. That’s when the floodgates of joy really burst beautifully in our life.
Amazing but true.
And well worth the cost. Worth. Every. Penny.
.
.
If you sense that the Lord might be leading YOU to support the historic event unfolding in real-time here at BibleMemory.ORG and thus become my fellow worker and thus share in all of the fruit and blessings (3 John 8) and literally MAKE HISTORY together, here are the best ways to do so:
1. Become a one-time or monthly partner by making a donation via PayPal’s fully-secure Bible Memory page!
2. Encourage as many people as you can to support this historic event by having them go to BibleMemory.ORG/support (please make sure they understand that it’s .org, not .com) – doing so by word-of-mouth is great, and to do so with a single click on your social media simply click here then scroll down a few inches to the green box and select your platforms, it’s that quick and easy!
3. Add your name to my Prayer List!
4. Encourage as many of our fellow Christians as you can to pray for this historic event by having them go to BibleMemory.ORG/pray (please make sure they understand that it’s .org, not .com) – doing so by word-of-mouth is great, and to do so with a single click on your social media simply click here then scroll down a few inches and select your platforms, it’s that quick and easy!
5. Share this post on your social media by clicking on one or more of these platforms:
.
.
You’re NOT Crazy!
/in Uncategorized /by Bible MemoryEver feel like maybe you’re just a little “off”? Lots of people do. Even Christians. Even mature believers.
But I’m here to tell you that you’re NOT crazy.
Why do I say that, and how can I so confidently? Easy. 1 John 3:1
Anyone who has put his or her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation is the exact OPPOSITE of crazy, but the world is totally unaware of this reality and merely projects its own spiritual insanity onto believers.
Brothers and sisters, beloved, the world is nuts, mad, insane, unknowing – but doesn’t KNOW it! (This epitomizes a piece of military lingo made popular in the run-up to the Iraq War, an “unknown unknown.”) They don’t know, but don’t know that they don’t know. They’re sincere, but sincerely misguided in their (lack of) understanding. So why would you ever think that YOU’RE the crazy one? You’re not. You’re not, but the Bible clearly teaches that they are. Those of the world (1 John 4:5). I mean, just imagine being given the choice to spend all eternity in heaven with God and the angels, or to spend it in hell with the devil and demons. ANYONE who would choose the latter, who wouldn’t choose the former, is by definition way, way, way off-kilter. If that isn’t the ultimate definition of insanity – clinical or otherwise – I don’t know what is or ever could be.
In stark contrast, a believer’s life is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith/faithfulness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Because every believer is, at a minimum, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and therefore will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. Would you say these qualities indicate sanity or insanity, wellness or unwellness, even on a human level?
But such is not so with unbelievers, with those who are of the world [i.e., world system]. Put another way, we’re all in the world but not of the world. Some people are citizens of the world while others are just passing through. (Hebrews 11:13-16; 1 Peter 2:11; Philippians 3:20)
And those of the world, a.k.a. unbelievers, are characterized by a very different list: “immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these” (Galatians 5:19-21). And just before that, in verses 16-17, the Bible makes absolutely clear that nobody can be in both camps, it’s clearly a matter of either/or, no exceptions. Flesh or Spirit. This is also made clear in Romans 8:4-8 – “… who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death [unwellness], but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace [wellness], because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God… and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
This is actually a great way to tell whether a person is saved or unsaved, on their way to heaven or on their way to hell (Matthew 7:16-20). And anyone who would choose the world and hell over heaven is, by definition, crazy. And anyone who would choose the devil over Christ is absolutely nuts. And anyone who would choose to be dominated by the flesh instead of the Spirit, well, THEY’RE the ones who are crazy, NOT you!
They just think you are because they don’t know any better. “For THIS reason, the world does NOT KNOW us, because they did not know HIM [Jesus].” (1 John 3:1)
The next time you get the sense people think you’re crazy, do two things: check to see (2 Corinthians 13:5; 2 Peter 1:10) if your life is characterized by the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23 (not the list in verses 19-21) and if so then KNOW that you’re not the crazy one and pray for and sympathize with and love on the other person(s). They desperately need it.
Yes, if you’re a genuine believer, you will not be understood or “known” by the world, they’ll often look at you like you’re from a different planet. (Because you are! Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 11:13-16; 1 Peter 2:11) And keep in mind that along with the fruit of the Spirit, your life will also be characterized by persecution (2 Timothy 3:12) so just expect that from the world but I’m here to assure you that such can’t even BEGIN to compare with the indescribable glory and magnificence waiting for us in heaven (Romans 8:18). Not for a second. Not even close. Not even in the same universe much less planet much less ball park.
“For this reason, THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW US, BECAUSE they DID NOT KNOW HIM.” (1 John 3:1)
Badge of honor. 🙂
.
Share this post with, well, EVERYONE!
.
School Shooting: Santa Clarita, CA
/in Uncategorized /by Bible MemoryThe airwaves are filled with the breaking news of another senseless school shooting, this one in Santa Clarita, CA.
All of them in recent years have been downright heartbreaking – just to imagine the fear and angst and pain those affected, children and parents and teachers alike, must have experienced and some will continue to for the rest of their lives – but this one hits even much closer to home since as a teen I actually attended some football games at Saugus High School, which was the very location of this morning’s shooting. And it’s unthinkable that such a horrific event would occur there, perennially appearing on the “Safest Cities” and “Best Places in America to Raise Kids” lists.
On the other hand, from a spiritual perspective, it’s not unthinkable at all, because murder and hatred (the former is merely the ultimate expression of the latter, and indeed directly tied together by the Lord Jesus Himself in Matthew 5:21-22 and echoed later in 1 John 3:15 – “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer“) are part and parcel of fallen flesh, the default setting for human nature, for every single person ever born of a human father and mother (i.e., everyone in human history except Adam, Eve, and Jesus). That “default” (or should I say, deFAULTY =) setting can be changed later in life, post-birth, but even we believers started out as depraved creatures, filled with murderous hate, as clearly stated in Titus 3:3 – “For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures [depraved!], spending our life in malice and envy, HATEFUL, HATING ONE ANOTHER.”
So while unthinkable on a human level, it’s just the opposite on the spiritual level, totally expected and in fact I’m amazed that, while increasing in frequency in recent years (as clearly and fully predicted in 2 Timothy 3:13), there haven’t been even more of these mass shootings. But still heartbreaking every time.
I think that EVERYONE – liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans and Independents, believers and unbelievers – can and does agree that with few exceptions, CHILDREN should NOT have access to guns (the rare exceptions would be, for example, those in rural areas who help their parents farm their land and need to be able to protect themselves from predators, to protect their far-from-the-nearest-neighbors homes, etc., but generally speaking it seems wise to keep guns out of the hands of children; like driver’s licenses) – but AS MUCH ACCESS as possible to the BIBLE! I am convinced that this would prevent 95+% of these shootings, impossible to prove but very sure about this; it wouldn’t prevent 100% but the more lives saved, the more senseless deaths prevented, the BETTER. And the best – and probably only – way to truly accomplish that is the Bible. Because it’s the ONLY thing that can truly transform the human mind. From blindness to sight. From hate to love. From sin to sanctification.
I shan’t hold my breath that a majority of our political leaders will put that into action any time soon, in light of the abundance of resistance and dearth of moral courage these days by-and-large, but given how other albeit well-intended approaches have failed and failed miserably, and given how precious the lives of all people are but in a way most of all that of children (since they have longer to live than we adults do on average if nothing else), isn’t that reason enough to give the BIBLE a try again, like this nation did years ago with great success for centuries?
While my heart breaks today for those affected – this time in my former home of Santa Clarita, CA – as it has every time tragedies like this have occurred in the past, it’s also comforted by the fact and knowledge that there IS an answer, that as great as it is to KEEP AWAY guns from children, it’s even far better to GIVE them a Bible! As great as it is to take away guns from their hands, it’s even far better to put the Bible into their minds.
Lord, please comfort those affected by this latest tragic school shooting. Thank you for Your grace that such are still fairly uncommon, but those to whom it did happen today surely need an extra dose of your love so please comfort them and may they experience that in a very tangible way, and bring healing, Lord, to them and to our nation and beyond. And most of all, I pray that the 16-year-old girl who died is now with you in heaven, that she placed her faith in You before it was too late, or that she gained entrance by way of not having yet reached the point of accountability which only You know for sure. And may the rest of us be certain to do so before our time comes, before “our number is called”. And comfort her family most of all, since they no doubt are suffering the most from today’s shooting. Amen.
.
Share this post with, well, EVERYONE!
.
“Look in the Mirror!”
/in Uncategorized /by Bible MemoryRemember that ubiquitous comeback line when we were children? Usually from a sibling (and accompanied in rapid succession with the sticking out of the tongue). Sometimes (cringe) to a parent or teacher or maybe babysitter, or anyone who said something to us which we didn’t particularly like: “Look in the mirror!”
In a very different take on that line, I want to talk about one of my all-time favorite verses in the entire Bible which has been such a blessing and practical, tangible benefit in my life.
I actually referenced it in a recent post, as a side note, but I’d now like to circle back and give it the focus and spotlight it deserves. It’s Proverbs 14:8.
The more I look around at current-day society, the more and more deception and self-deception I see floating around. This should come as no surprise to anyone: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (NKJV/KJV) The NASB translates it thusly: “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?”
The plain and simple – and firsthand 🙁 – truth is that ALL of us are prone to self-deceit, to self-deception.
While not dealing with issues as they arise from time to time in our lives is bad, what’s even worse is NOT SEEING THEM in the first place, right? Because the former is IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT the latter. To state the obvious, we can’t resolve an issue we don’t see.
“12-step” plans have been all the rage in the recovery sector for decades. so no disrespect to those, if someone finds them to be a helpful aid in getting their life back on track, fantastic, but I’m going to give you a TWO-step plan to resolve ANY issue or problem that may arise in life:
STEP #1: Look into the MIRROR of the Bible to see which qualities and conduct should and shouldn’t be in your life
STEP #2: Then DEAL WITH THEM, right away, without dilly-dallying around
That’s all there is to it. This really is all that’s needed. To look at what the Bible says, then look at our lives and get the latter in line with the former as needed.
In other words… the Bible: read it then heed it. Read then heed… or bleed. Your choice, my choice, the choice of each and every person (Romans 14:12).
We tend to complicate and indeed over-complicate the Christian life. To largely spin our wheels. And thus needlessly waste so much time and opportunity. I’ve certainly been guilty of this throughout my life. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – and many times in the future: I’ve been the biggest sinner I know, I’ve been the biggest sinner I’ve ever known, and I’ve been the biggest sinner you’ve probably ever known, at least that’s my perspective, having 24/7 awareness of my past sins and utter sinfulness. But praise the Lord I can honestly say that such has kept decreasing and decreasing dramatically, constantly with only little blips here and there which, like the first flames of a forest fire, should be put out immediately lest it spread (otherwise it will) – ever since I started memorizing the Bible on a regular, systematic basis. Psalm 119:11 is true! Colossians 3:16-17 is true! The Bible – and maximally, memorizing and reciting it regularly… not just as a part of your daily life but AS your life daily, as a lifestyle – is the antidote for sin. The antidote. Prayer is great in this regard, too, but is informed by Bible memory and recitation, which greatly, greatly, greatly (in extent and essence) frees and unleashes and expands the capacity for the Holy Spirit and prayer in our life.
In another recent post I discussed how important, indeed how crucial and imperative it is to “examine ourselves” and “test ourselves” and “be all the more diligent to MAKE CERTAIN about” our salvation, that it’s genuine and not just a figment of our self-deception or mere guessing or hopeful wishing (2 Corinthians 13:5; 2 Peter 1:10). I mentioned many specific “tests” the Bible itself clearly and plainly provides for us to do just that, including the entire books of James and 1 John which themselves are just such a checklist and written for that main purpose. (James 1:4; 1 John 5:13)
So to end this post, I’ll reference those very specific tests but add a general guideline or “key” to grade the test. A way to confirm the validity and genuineness of our salvation “at a quick glance” as it were. Two verses:
Resolving and affirmatively settling and confirming one’s genuine salvation will remove any and all “big picture”, overarching anxiety in one’s life. Guaranteed. Not some of the “small picture” episodes (Bible memory will take care of those!) but ALL of the big-picture variety. Because each of us instinctively knows that eternity, the life to come, is the ONLY thing that really matters in this life. (Ecclesiastes 3:11; Romans 1:19)
We’ve grown up and come a long way, yet ironically the key to this life and the one to come is this: “Look in the mirror!” Then comb our hair, promptly, if it’s out of place.
.
Share this post with, well, EVERYONE!
.
Plan Ahead!
/in Uncategorized /by Bible MemoryI’m sure we’re all very familiar with an adage I used to love as a kid and ever since: “Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark!”
So true. And indeed something that garnered him entrance into the “hall of faith” in Hebrews 11.
But in this post I’d like to look at a New Testament example and discuss two aspects or applications of this time-tested truth. (There’s a reason an adage, well, becomes an adage.)
First, the New Testament example of this general application.
I love the Apostle Paul. Other than the Lord Jesus Himself – with whom none can even begin to compare – Paul has always been at the top of my list of biblical heroes. (Along with David, Daniel, Joseph, Abraham, Job, and Samuel and Ruth and Rahab, and pre-decline Solomon [Proverbs Solomon, not Ecclesiastes Solomon], among others.) I love everything about him. His utter tenacity in fulfilling what he believed to be right. (His view was of course diametrically opposite of God’s before a certain meeting on the road to Damascus, but even then nobody can say he wasn’t tenacious and dedicated. Misguided, yes, but totally tenacious and dedicated.) His love for others — sometimes, when called for, tough love (e.g., 2 Corinthians and especially Galatians) – which surpasses anyone I’ve ever seen or heard of other than the Lord Jesus Himself, when in Romans 9:3 he says that he loved his fellow Jews so much that, if it were an option, he’d give up his own salvation in exchange for theirs. That he’d put himself under the eternal curse of hell if it meant they would go to heaven. Ladies and gentlemen, that is a level of love I can’t even imagine much less say I possess. I’m a very loving person — always have been in a human, social sense but even exponentially more so since I started memorizing the Bible on a regular, systematic basis — but I’m quite sure I’ll never reach the point where I’d be willing to give up my salvation for anyone else’s. But that’s exactly the level of love which the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) had sewn in Paul’s transformed heart and life. Amazing. Stunning. And so admirable.
But one aspect of the Apostle Paul I’ve come to appreciate especially in recent years is his sense of practicality and attention to details. Wanna see what I’m talking about? Just read what he wrote near the end of his life: “Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.” (2 Timothy 4:11-13)
At first glance there might not seem to be much in these three short verses. But upon closer inspection we can learn a LOT about Paul. His personality and nature. Social, connected, great leader shepherding his fellow workers like a great army general would on the battlefield. Delegating various tasks to various people, as best suited. More concerned about the churches he had planted and people he had led to Christ (in this case, at Ephesus) than his own emotional comfort, i.e., I think it’s safe to say that the vast majority of people nearing the very end of their life (verses 6-7) would seek to surround themselves with as many of their loved ones as possible. But not Paul! No sir, no ma’am, he kept just one by his side at that time (Luke) so the others could continue on in ministry and spreading the Gospel and watering the growth of new believers and churches. What selflessness! He clearly had internalized what the Holy Spirit had led him to write in Philippians 2:3-4. Always thinking about the interest of others, not his own, under the umbrella of always thinking about the interests and desires and will of God.
His sense of practicality is also demonstrated in this passage and downright palpable. He saw that Mark could be useful to him in ministry and didn’t hesitate to put those wheels into motion.
His love for the Bible is also demonstrated in that “the books” and “parchments” likely refer to the Old Testament. We’ll have to wait until heaven to find out for sure but I’m 99.99% certain that Paul also internalized what the Holy Spirit had led him to write in Colossians 3:16, that he had memorized and regularly recited huge portions of the Bible at the time, the Old Testament. (I also often wonder and can hardly wait to find out from him personally if he knew or at least had a sense, had any inkling that many of his penned letters to churches and individuals would comprise a huge part of the Bible’s New Testament. I.e., it’s possible that under the miraculous umbrella of “dual” authorship – human and divine – the human author was referring to the Old Testament when he wrote 2 Timothy 3:16 while the divine Author was of course, we know now, referring prophetically to the entire Bible, the whole of Scripture.) But what’s 100% known is that he loved the Bible, the Word of God, EVERY word of God, with all his heart and mind and soul. [I wish there were far more ways in which my life imitated Paul’s but praise the Lord this is definitely one of them, a deep and abiding love and respect for His Word, which is why I’ve dedicated literally the rest of my life to memorizing the entire Bible, every word of the Word, so I can recite His own words in that greatest (and longest =) of all love letters BACK TO HIM as a unique and indeed historic love/thank-You gift for all He has done for me and us, all He does, all He intends to yet do, and just for who and how He is!]
But wait, there’s more! Another thing demonstrated in this passage, in these three short verses, is that Paul – like Noah – planned ahead. Did you catch that phrase “bring the cloak”? A cloak was a piece of garment which doubled as a coat and blanket. He makes clear in verse 21 that “winter” was coming, and he wanted Timothy to come before winter and bring Paul’s coat/blanket so he’d be fully prepared. Planning ahead! (On a side note, that was TWO THOUSAND years ago yet isn’t it interesting that in many ways he and the people of that time weren’t much different from us. Don’t we shop for or unpack our winter clothes in advance of its expected arrival? Indeed we do. Paul was doing the very same thing, but was tied up at the moment so asked Timothy to do so for him. Thinking ahead, planning ahead.)
But my other favorite example of this is also near the end of one of his penned-letters-turned-New-Testament-book: Romans 15:22-25. It’s clear from the people and places mentioned in Chapter 16 that he wrote the letter from Corinth.
Here’s where the “planning ahead” comes in.
You see, if you were to look at a map of those times, you’d see Corinth then to the left/west you’d see Rome and then further to the left/west of that you’d see Spain.
Do you know what that means? Not only that Paul was planning (ahead) his trip to Spain in advance, but also made the necessary arrangements, like sending this letter via Phoebe (16:1-2), far enough in advance that they’d have time to make the necessary preparations for his “in passing on his way to Spain” visit “for a while” (verse 24), and also enough time to “help him out” financially on that journey. He left nothing to chance. Very detailed. Very organized (probably the most EVER). Always planning ahead!
And that brings me to the second aspect or application of that wise practice I’d like to discuss here.
It’s very important and beneficial to PLAN AHEAD in life. But you know what’s infinitely more important? To plan ahead for the NEXT LIFE, the life to come, ETERNITY.
For one reason, unlike winter, our physical death often doesn’t give ANY WARNING or ADVANCE NOTICE – so it’s absolutely imperative to do all of our planning for such NOW, while we still can.
One sad but perfect example is 9/11. Those tragic terrorist attacks against our country in 2001. I think about that throughout the year but inescapably at the end of every summer, with each passing anniversary of that horrific day. And you want to know one of my main takeaways from it? The fact that around THREE THOUSAND people simply went to their office or hopped on a plane as they no doubt had countless times before. It was just a regular, normal, average day. UNTIL IT WASN’T.
Those killed on that somber day had years and years and years to get their eternal destiny in order. To plan ahead. Before it was too late. Because just like when that door on Noah’s Ark closed as the rains fell and flooding of historic proportions commenced, and it was too late for those people to change their mind and board that boat – i.e., to be saved – so also when a person dies and departs this physical world, it will be too late to reserve one’s place in heaven. No my friends, that’s a reservation which can only be made in this life, while one is still alive, before the rains and flood of death occurs. And I just want to urge each and every one of you to “be all the more diligent to MAKE CERTAIN” (2 Peter 1:10; also 2 Corinthians 13:5, per that recent post) that you’re saved and have a room waiting for you in heaven long before that day comes and this life ends.
But HOW, you might ask? Simple. Literally. Simple faith in Jesus Christ and Him alone:
That’s it, nothing else. (John 3:16) By the pure grace of God through faith in His appointed mediator, Jesus Christ. (1 Timothy 2:4-6)
You don’t have to go to church (though you’ll want to – John 2:17; Hebrews 10:24-25). You don’t even have to do good works (though you will – Ephesians 2:10). We need simply to acknowledge that we’re sinners and therefore unable to be let into heaven, into the physical presence of the infinitely holy and righteous God, and then to put our faith in the fact that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins so we CAN and WILL spend eternity in heaven. The substitutionary, propitiatory sacrifice of Jesus and subsequent resurrection totally resolves that otherwise conundrum! God can let sinners into heaven, into His holy presence, because those sins have been replaced with the righteousness of Jesus Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Unlike Paul, I would never trade my salvation and willingly spend eternity in hell so someone else could spend it in heaven instead. (Sorry, I’m very loving but not that loving. =) But I would trade my physical life so someone else could go to heaven, if that were possible. Gladly. But it’s not. Why? Because if I sacrificed my life so you could go to heaven, it wouldn’t do any good – because I’d merely be paying the price for my OWN sins (Romans 6:23; also 5:6-10). But that’s where Christ is different than ANY OTHER person. While Adam’s sin has been passed down to everyone else since creation and the fall of man in the garden of Eden (Romans 5:12), Christ avoided that since He was conceived not by a man (Joseph or any other) but rather by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18). So He WAS able to offer His own body as payment for the sins of others, of everyone, of “the whole world” as 1 John 2:2 puts it. He literally traded places with us (2 Corinthians 5:21 – more on this in a future post, incredible, the great “switcharoo”, the ultimate “no-brainer slam-dunk”!) and went to hell in our stead (Ephesians 4:9-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22) so we don’t have to, so we can go to heaven! So when you and I leave this world and stand at the gates of heaven and are asked why we should be let in, there’s only one right, acceptable, accepted answer: because of what JESUS did FOR US and that ALONE.
And praise the Lord that if indeed this is what ANY person is wholly, fully, and solely relying and depending on, I’m telling you right now on the full authority of the Bible and thus God Himself (it’s HIS Word, not mine) that you can KNOW with ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY that your reservation for a room in heaven has indeed been arranged beforehand.
May we be wise – like Noah, like Paul – to PLAN AHEAD. Not just for matters of this life but also and far more importantly for the life to come.
.
.
If you sense that the Lord might be leading YOU to support the historic event unfolding in real-time here at BibleMemory.ORG and thus become my fellow worker and thus share in all of the fruit and blessings (3 John 8) and literally MAKE HISTORY together, here are the best ways to do so:
1. Become a one-time or monthly partner by making a donation via PayPal’s fully-secure Bible Memory page!
2. Encourage as many people as you can to support this historic event by having them go to BibleMemory.ORG/support (please make sure they understand that it’s .org, not .com) – doing so by word-of-mouth is great, and to do so with a single click on your social media simply click here then scroll down a few inches to the green box and select your platforms, it’s that quick and easy!
3. Add your name to my Prayer List!
4. Encourage as many of our fellow Christians as you can to pray for this historic event by having them go to BibleMemory.ORG/pray (please make sure they understand that it’s .org, not .com) – doing so by word-of-mouth is great, and to do so with a single click on your social media simply click here then scroll down a few inches and select your platforms, it’s that quick and easy!
5. Share this post on your social media by clicking on one or more of these platforms:
.
.
Timing is EVERYTHING!
/in Uncategorized /by Bible Memory“He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him.” (Proverbs 27:14)
What an amazing verse and truth, just like the other one from this very same Chapter discussed in the previous post. Blessing someone is a good thing. And doing so loudly is even better if you ask me. But timing is so important in life that if even just that one aspect is off, it can turn an otherwise triply-positive thing into a BAD thing, into a curse.
I don’t have much time for games but balance is very important in life and that includes spending at least a little time each week on playing a game or two and I prefer ones that sharpen the mind so my favorite are Tetris and FreeCell. In both, and particularly the latter, it’s not just what move you make, it’s when you make it, in what order. And so it is in life: it’s not just what you do, it’s when you do it.
So before you do anything, always take a nanosecond to just ask yourself if it’s the right time.
Yes my friends, timing is everything. Just ask any surfer.
.
Share this post with, well, EVERYONE!
.
Perspective is EVERYTHING!
/in Uncategorized /by Bible Memory“A sated [satiated, satisfied, full-stomached] man loathes honey, but to a famished man any BITTER thing is SWEET.” (Proverbs 27:7)
What an amazing verse and truth. One man, who’s full, deems even honey to be undesirable, but a man who’s starving deems even a BITTER thing to be sweet, to be desirable.
It reminds me of a drawing that I saw on the internet years ago. It has two scenes. Or more accurately, one scene from two, opposite perspectives/angles.
The first image is of a man who has been stranded on an island who finally sees a boat approaching and thinks he’s about to be saved from his dire situation.
The second is of a man who has been stranded at sea who finally sees land and thinks he’s about to be saved from his dire situation.
So the next time you catch yourself feeling a bit ungrateful or taking your blessings for granted (I’m sorry to say that this happens far too often with me and is probably my biggest, most frequent sin), just remember that there are (literally) billions of people who would (literally) give their right arm (or both) to be in your shoes. So no matter how bad or dire your situation may seem from time to time, just keep in mind (a) that NONE of us DESERVES ANYTHING good, that it’s “all gravy” and could be much worse (1 Peter 5:8), (b) that there are people suffering far more severely than you (1 Peter 5:9), and (c) that such times in our life serve a very distinct and marvelous purpose far more grand and joyful than the circumstance itself and, by the way, are ONLY TEMPORARY and won’t last forever (1 Peter 5:10) (but the benefit they produce will!).
Ah, yes, perspective is everything.
.
Share this post with, well, EVERYONE!
.